We started out with a couple cheapy rod/ reel combos and had a great time. We then purchase some cheap paddle kayaks (Lifetime Tamarack 100) and enjoyed the greater access and fun of being on the water. We got caught out a couple times paddling into the wind and generally found our range a bit limited. So, we upgraded to some very nice (not cheap!) Native Watercraft Slayer 14 propel (pedal) kayaks. We have been fishing Galveston, Freeport, Conroe and some of the other local waters for the past year or so and have enjoyed the speed, range, versatility, etc of the pedal-kayaks.
That said, we find that we are still limited to about 3 miles range and are generally reluctant to relocate significantly if the fishing is slow. So, the next step, of course, is a boat. This would give us much greater range, more tolerance to weather (temp, rain, wind) and the ability to either have a lazy fishing day or even do a little night fishing. I know that many people successfully night fish from kayaks but we have never felt reasonably comfortable (safe) doing so.
The common wisdom (?) is that a boat is a hole in the water that you throw money into. My hope is that a small boat is generally cheaper to buy,run, maintain… basically a smaller hole. That hope and our general love of shallow water fishing, led me on a search for a small (14-18ft) jon boat. I finally found a 1981 Bass Tracker 3 (16ft long, 5ft-9in beam) with a Mercury 40 outboard. The trailer was a rusty mess but the boat seemed to be in good shape and fit my plans.
Similar to the general fishing blog, I will document and post articles covering the purchase, restoration, modification and eventual deployment of the new weapon in our fishing arsenal.
